How long is the 2 week pathway really?

[cookiemonster5]

I was referred under the 2 week pathway on Wednesday night. Got a call at 7pm to tell me my test results were abnormal and the gp had already dictated my referral letter.

Is it really less than 2 weeks in Scotland?

How long does it feel in real time? Because though it's been less than 48 hours since the call it feels like a thousand years. I'm not sleeping and running through all different scenarios and all possible outcomes constantly.

My last breast lump investigation was done and dusted 5 days after my GO referral.
I'm currently on the 2 week pathway for gynae, saw my GP on 30/07, had a scan on 07/08, and an appt next Monday with the consultant, so a little over 2 weeks.
Hope you get seen soon

I don't know about Scotland, and I don't know about right now, but a friend in England was at the same point as you in late January.
Every stage was exactly the length of time stated - the absolute maximum, but exactly what was laid out.
She also found that first fortnight, then the six (?) week wait for her op interminable. Be kind to yourself, and se if friends and family can help distract you. She worked right up until she had to isolate for the op, which was also good for her.

Thank you.

I slept a bit better last night. I think exhaustion took over. I'm constantly waiting for the phone to ring but I think because it's the weekend and I know I won't get a call that I feel more relaxed. CBT has done wonders to help me not spiral and panic as much.

It's still all I can think about. Tomorrow I need to start another 24hr urine collection because the gp is sure they will want to repeat the tests to make sure it's not a 1 off so that will distract me a little bit. Think I'm off shopping for new slabs for the garden path today too. This week d is full of excitement!

My gp sent off a 2 week referral on Christmas Eve (my plan to be told I was imagining things so I could relax and enjoy Christmas backfired spectacularly) It was still done within the fortnight despite so many non working days over the period.

Try to stay busy, the unknown is the worst past.

It's been a week and I've not heard anything yet. Do you think I should call the gp tomorrow and chase it up?

No 2 week pathway in Scotland. It's just urgent or routine. Patients waiting 4 weeks for various things here.

I'm currently in the system as I have a suspicious cyst on my ovary. In Scotland the aim is to have possible cancer cases referred and treatment started within 62 days. My Gynaecology appointment is in a couple of weeks, so 4 weeks from another hospital consultant referring me to Gynaecology. However, I've had blood tests and scans done while waiting. I hope you hear soon.

The gp said i was being referred under the 2 week pathway. If that isn't a thing in Scotland why would she say that? I'm even more confused and anxious now

www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-referral-guidelines-suspected-cancer-january-2019/

That's the link to the guidelines for Scotland. I had looked it up when the other hospital consultant told me they suspected I have a malignancy - I originally thought that it was also 2 weeks here. I think it might have been in the past, but these guidelines are from 2019.

Look on board papers on trust website. They usually have recent performance data as part of integrated report.

There is currently a pilot replacing two week wait for first appointment with 28 day diagnostic pathway. That may affect your pathway, depending where you are.

I would ring and chase it up op. I was referred (in wales) on the 2 week pathway for a breast problem. I hadn't heard as thought there was a delay due to covid. When I rang the GP hadn't even done the referral due to a mix up with the receptionist. The breast clinic were great. They took my number and said they would ring if there was a cancellation and gave me an appointment for the following week. So in the end I was seen within 3 weeks. 3 long, horrendous weeks. I think its always with checking with the hospital. Wishing you lots of good health and luck. Hope you get seen soon.

I phoned my gp surgery who are phoning the clinic to ask what the waiting list is and says if she is told it's long she will need to go back to the gp "to see what she wants done with you".

Not feeling reassured. In fact I'm very anxious and scared now not knowing how much longer I will have to wait.

I am still in shock.

After being told the most likely cause of my symptoms and after getting tests result back was that I had a tumor and needed seen within 2 weeks the consultant has said they don't need to see me!

Apparently in their opinion my results aren't that bad and want the tests repeated and if they are the same I don't need seen and nothing needs done!

I don't know what to do or feel. Either the gp was overzealous or the consultant is being lax. I have spent a week on edge worrying for nothing. And I'm still not any closer to finding out what's wrong with me.

Sorry you are going through this.
In your case I would ask for a telephone appointment with your GP and have her explain to you what the consultant means.

2 week pathway is not a thing in my Scottish NHS area.
I was referred for a swelling in my tonsils. Initially told 12 weeks to see ENT. I was able to go private. That was pre-COVID , I dare say it’s way worse now.

Hope you get the information you need. It’s a very tough wait.

Do average a call with GP.
The urgent referral pathways are there to ensure that suspected cancers are picked up. They are generally to rule out cancer not confirm because you have to rule out most serious causes first.

They are probably both right. Your GP for referring a potential cancer and then an expert view from the consultant who specialises in that type of cancer reviewing and asking for another test because in their view it doesn’t appear to be a malignancy. It’s best to avoid invasive procedures if possible because they carry risks.

You haven’t been worrying for nothing, you’ve been waiting for a specialist view.

Arrange not average.

My own gp rang me last night. I'm so angry and upset yet relieved.

Long story short I have no signs of a tumor or cancer. One of my levels was raised slightly but that is due to my medication. Unless 3 levels were raised and there is no other explanation like medication then I would have been referred but the other 2 levels were spot on.

None of this should have happened. I should not have spent a week worrying and stressing. My husband shouldn't have had to worry and stress and support me.

I’m sorry you’ve both been put through such stress.
Obviously your GP made a mistake, but they’re human, it happens.
Imagine if the mistake had been the other way round…

It’s horrid to go through stress but GP didn’t make a mistake. He or she referred according to the pathway. The specialist made the diagnosis based on greater expertise in that field. Like most people referred, it was good news.

The anger would be more reasonable had the GP not erred on the side of caution. It absolutely should have happened. It’s not nice worrying, but a whole lot worse being dismissed despite having a treatable cancer.

That's just the thing - I shouldn't have been referred because my levels are no where near the trigger point for referral! I didn't even come close to it. No one has any idea why she decided to refer me because everything was within expected limits for me. I understand being cautious but this was ridiculous. My gp had no idea why the doctor rang me and mentioned a tumor and the consultant was confused why I got referred let alone an urgent referral!